EP3024144A1 - Operation detecting apparatus for vehicle - Google Patents
Operation detecting apparatus for vehicle Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3024144A1 EP3024144A1 EP15195155.5A EP15195155A EP3024144A1 EP 3024144 A1 EP3024144 A1 EP 3024144A1 EP 15195155 A EP15195155 A EP 15195155A EP 3024144 A1 EP3024144 A1 EP 3024144A1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- electrode
- capacitance
- value
- capacitance value
- variations
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01V—GEOPHYSICS; GRAVITATIONAL MEASUREMENTS; DETECTING MASSES OR OBJECTS; TAGS
- G01V3/00—Electric or magnetic prospecting or detecting; Measuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination, deviation
- G01V3/08—Electric or magnetic prospecting or detecting; Measuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination, deviation operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by objects or geological structures or by detecting devices
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
- H03K—PULSE TECHNIQUE
- H03K17/00—Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and –breaking
- H03K17/94—Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and –breaking characterised by the way in which the control signals are generated
- H03K17/945—Proximity switches
- H03K17/955—Proximity switches using a capacitive detector
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R16/00—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for
- B60R16/02—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01D5/00—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable
- G01D5/12—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means
- G01D5/14—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage
- G01D5/24—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage by varying capacitance
- G01D5/2405—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage by varying capacitance by varying dielectric
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
- H03K—PULSE TECHNIQUE
- H03K2217/00—Indexing scheme related to electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making or -breaking covered by H03K17/00
- H03K2217/94—Indexing scheme related to electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making or -breaking covered by H03K17/00 characterised by the way in which the control signal is generated
- H03K2217/96—Touch switches
- H03K2217/9607—Capacitive touch switches
- H03K2217/960705—Safety of capacitive touch and proximity switches, e.g. increasing reliability, fail-safe
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
- H03K—PULSE TECHNIQUE
- H03K2217/00—Indexing scheme related to electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making or -breaking covered by H03K17/00
- H03K2217/94—Indexing scheme related to electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making or -breaking covered by H03K17/00 characterised by the way in which the control signal is generated
- H03K2217/96—Touch switches
- H03K2217/9607—Capacitive touch switches
- H03K2217/96071—Capacitive touch switches characterised by the detection principle
- H03K2217/96073—Amplitude comparison
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
- H03K—PULSE TECHNIQUE
- H03K2217/00—Indexing scheme related to electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making or -breaking covered by H03K17/00
- H03K2217/94—Indexing scheme related to electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making or -breaking covered by H03K17/00 characterised by the way in which the control signal is generated
- H03K2217/96—Touch switches
- H03K2217/9607—Capacitive touch switches
- H03K2217/960735—Capacitive touch switches characterised by circuit details
- H03K2217/960745—Capacitive differential; e.g. comparison with reference capacitance
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
- H03K—PULSE TECHNIQUE
- H03K2217/00—Indexing scheme related to electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making or -breaking covered by H03K17/00
- H03K2217/94—Indexing scheme related to electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making or -breaking covered by H03K17/00 characterised by the way in which the control signal is generated
- H03K2217/96—Touch switches
- H03K2217/9607—Capacitive touch switches
- H03K2217/960755—Constructional details of capacitive touch and proximity switches
- H03K2217/960775—Emitter-receiver or "fringe" type detection, i.e. one or more field emitting electrodes and corresponding one or more receiving electrodes
Definitions
- This disclosure relates to an operation detecting apparatus for a vehicle in which a capacitance sensor is used.
- a capacitance sensor configured to detect positions or actions of detected objects by a change in capacitance.
- the capacitance sensor includes one or more electrodes for detection. When the detected object approaches the electrode for detection, a capacitance value generated between an electrode and an electrode, or between an electrode and the ground varies.
- the capacitance sensor is an apparatus configured to detect actions of the detected objects by measuring the change in capacitance value as an electric signal.
- JP 2006-213206 A discloses a vehicle window sensor configured to detect variations in capacitance between two electrodes including a sensor electrode installed on a window glass of a vehicle as one electrode, and a vehicle body as the other electrode.
- the vehicle window sensor disclosed in JP 2006-213206 A is configured to detect the capacitance between the electrode on the window glass and the vehicle body and thus has a wide detecting area.
- the vehicle window sensor In the case where the vehicle window sensor is used as an operation detecting unit, the vehicle window sensor has a potential to detect operation erroneously even though a user does not perform operation such as the case where a person passes near by the vehicle at the time of parking.
- An aspect of this disclosure provides an operation detecting apparatus for a vehicle including a detecting unit having a first electrode and a second electrode configured to detect variations in a capacitance value; a capacitance measuring unit configured to measure a first capacitance value detected by the first electrode and a second capacitance value detected by the second electrode; a determining unit configured to compare a value on the basis of the amount of variations in the first capacitance value with a value on the basis of an amount of variations in the second capacitance value and determine presence or absence of operation from a user on the basis of the result of comparison; and an output unit configured to output a control signal on the basis of a result of determination of the determining unit.
- the determining unit may determine that operation is performed by the user in a case where an absolute value of the amount of variations in the first capacitance value is not smaller than a predetermined threshold value, and the absolute value of the amount of variations in the first capacitance value is not smaller than an absolute value of the amount of variations in the second capacitance value.
- a detecting area of the second electrode may be larger than a detecting area of the first electrode.
- the second electrode may have a larger surface area than the first electrode.
- the capacitance measuring unit may include a converting unit configured to convert the first capacitance value and the second capacitance value to voltage values at a time of measuring, and an amplification rate when converting the second capacitance value into the voltage value may be larger than an amplification rate when converting the first capacitance value into the voltage value.
- the operation detecting apparatus for a vehicle may further include an operating unit configured to multiply at least one of a value on the basis of the amount of variations in the first capacitance value and a value on the basis of the amount of variations in the second capacitance value by a coefficient, and multiplication of the coefficient may make the detecting area of the second electrode larger than the detecting area of the first electrode.
- the determining unit may determine that operation is not performed by the user in the case where the absolute value of the amount of variations in the first capacitance value is smaller than a predetermined threshold value.
- the operation detecting apparatus for a vehicle may further include a third electrode in addition to the first electrode and the second electrode, and the first capacitance value may be a capacitance value between the first electrode and the third electrode, and the second capacitance value may be a capacitance value between the second electrode and the third electrode.
- an operation detecting apparatus for a vehicle in which the potential to detect operation erroneously is reduced is proposed.
- FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an operation detecting unit used for an opening and closing member for a vehicle (slide door, rear door, and the like) according to a first embodiment disclosed here.
- a capacitance sensor 100 which corresponds to the operation detecting unit used for the opening and closing member for a vehicle includes a capacitance sensor electrode 110 and a capacitance sensor control unit 120.
- the capacitance sensor electrode 110 is a detecting unit of the capacitance sensor 100 configured to detect operation of the opening and closing member for a vehicle by a user.
- the capacitance sensor control unit 120 is a portion configured to control operation of the capacitance sensor electrode 110 and output the result of detection obtained by the capacitance sensor electrode 110 to an opening and closing member control device 140.
- the capacitance sensor 100 of the embodiment is of a mutual-capacitance type.
- the capacitance sensor electrode 110 includes a transmitting electrode 111, a first receiving electrode 112, and a second receiving electrode 113.
- the transmitting electrode 111 is an electrode configured to generate lines of electric force by applying voltage
- the first receiving electrode 112 and the second receiving electrode 113 are electrodes that receive the lines of electric force. Accordingly, capacitance is generated between the transmitting electrode 111 and the first receiving electrode 112 and between the transmitting electrode 111 and the second receiving electrode 113.
- the capacitance sensor 100 of the embodiment is configured to detect approach and separation of a detected object such as a hand of the user by measuring variations in capacitance.
- the capacitance sensor electrode 110 may be installed at any position of the vehicle as long as the user can operate and the lines of electric force are not interrupted by the conductive member.
- the capacitance sensor electrode 110 may be installed on a door handle, a center pillar (a column on the side surface of the vehicle and provided at a position between a front seat and a rear seat), a center pillar garnish, a belt molding, a rear side of an emblem, a rear door garnish, and a bumper.
- the capacitance sensor electrode 110 may be installed on a movable member of an opening and closing member 150 for the vehicle or may be installed in other portions.
- the capacitance sensor electrode 110 may be installed on an inner side of a portion which is not formed of the metal.
- the capacitance sensor control unit 120 includes a bus 121, a measurement control unit 122, a determining unit 123, an operating unit 124, a memory 125, a timer 126, a control signal I/O unit 127, and a capacitance measuring unit 130.
- the bus 121 is wiring configured to connect respective portions of the capacitance sensor control unit 120.
- the capacitance measuring unit 130 is a portion that measures a capacitance between the respective electrodes of the capacitance sensor electrode 110.
- the control signal I/O unit 127 is a portion corresponding to an interface that sends and receives a signal between the capacitance sensor measuring unit 120 and the opening and closing member control device 140.
- the control signal I/O unit 127 functions as an output unit configured to output a signal relating to a user operation such as presence or absence of the operation by the user by using the capacitance sensor electrode 110 to the opening and closing member control device 140.
- the control signal I/O unit 127 functions also as an input unit configured to receive signals which indicate the state of the opening and closing member 150 (opened state and closed state) from the opening and closing member control device 140.
- the opening and closing member control device 140 is, for example, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) mounted on a vehicle, and controls an opening and closing operation of the opening and closing member 150 on the basis of the signal indicating the operation by the user input from the control signal I/O unit 127 of the capacitance sensor control unit 120.
- the opening and closing member 150 is an opening and closing member for a vehicle configured to perform an opening and closing operation automatically by a drive source such as a motor. More specifically, the opening and closing member 150 may include a slide door, a sun roof, a rear door, a power window, a swing door and the like.
- the opening and closing member 150 is provided with a sensor configured to detect a state of operation of the drive source.
- the opening and closing member 150 may be provided with a pulse sensor using a Hall element as a sensor configured to detect a rotation of the motor.
- An output from the sensor is output from the opening and closing member 150 to the opening and closing member control device 140, and is input into the determining unit 123 via the control signal I/O unit 127 of the capacitance sensor control unit 120.
- the output of the sensor may be held once in the memory 125 without being directly input into the determining unit 123, and then read out by the determining unit 123.
- the measurement control unit 122 is a portion configured to control a state of measurement of the capacitance measuring unit 130. For example, the state of connection of the switch 131 is switched by the output signal from the measurement control unit 122. Accordingly, either one of measurement by the first receiving electrode 112 and measurement by the second receiving electrode 113 may be selected.
- the memory 125 includes a ROM and a RAM, and is a memory medium configured to temporarily or permanently memorise data such as an output value from the capacitance measuring unit 130, time or duration of output from the timer 126, or the state of the opening and closing member 150 output from the opening and closing member control device 140.
- the memory 125 supplies data memorised in accordance with instruction from the determining unit 123 and the operating unit 124.
- the timer 126 is a portion configured to provide time information to the respective members.
- the determining unit 123 is a portion configured to determine whether or not normal operation is performed by the user on the basis of the output value from the capacitance measuring unit 130 memorised in the memory 125.
- the normal operation is a specific operating procedure which is performed when the user indicates a wish to open or close the opening and closing member 150.
- the operating unit 124 is a portion configured to perform reduction of noise, offset elimination, and various computations for data processing such as multiplication of coefficient on an output signal indicating the capacitance value output from the capacitance measuring unit 130.
- Fig. 1B is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a capacitance measuring unit of an opening and closing member for a vehicle according to the first embodiment.
- the capacitance measuring unit 130 includes a switch 131, a voltage supply portion 132, a CV (Capacitance-to-Voltage) converting unit 133, and an AD (Analogue-to-Digital) converting unit 134.
- CV Capacitance-to-Voltage
- AD Analogue-to-Digital
- the voltage supply portion 132 is a portion configured to supply a voltage for outputting the lines of electric force to the transmitting electrode 111 in accordance with the control signal from the measurement control unit 122 input via the bus 121.
- the voltage supply portion 132 may include a voltage conversion circuit, an amplifier circuit, and the like for adjusting the voltage to be supplied to the transmitting electrode 111.
- the switch 131 is a portion configured to change over connections of the electrodes, for example, for selecting an electrode that measures the capacitance.
- the switch 131 includes a portion that switches ON and OFF between the transmitting electrode 111 and the voltage supply portion 132.
- the switch 131 further includes a portion that switches the connection of the CV converting unit 133 either to the first receiving electrode 112 or to the second receiving electrode 113.
- the CV converting unit 133 is a CV conversion circuit configured to convert the capacitance between the transmitting electrode 111 and the first receiving electrode 112 or the capacitance between the transmitting electrode 111 and the second receiving electrode 113 into a voltage value and output the voltage value.
- the CV converting unit 133 may include an amplifier configured to vary an output voltage at the time of CV conversion.
- the AD converting unit 134 is an AD conversion circuit configured to convert the voltage value output from the CV converting unit 133 to a digital signal and output the digital signal.
- the digital signal indicating a capacitance value output from the AD converting unit 134 is held in the memory 125 via the bus 121.
- the capacitance measuring unit 130 includes a circuit configured to perform measurement of the capacitance by the CV conversion circuit.
- measurement of the capacitance may be performed by other methods.
- a capacitance measuring method with various circuits such as a circuit configured to repeatedly transfer an electric charge to a reference capacitative element and count the number of times of transfer, or a CR resonance circuit.
- One of more functional portions disclosed here and illustrated in Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B may be provided by hardware, or may be provided by programs which are operated on hardware of a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit). These programs may be stored in the memory 125.
- CPU Central Processing Unit
- Fig. 2A is a drawing illustrating a configuration of the capacitance sensor electrode 110 according to the first embodiment.
- Fig. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the capacitance sensor electrode according to the first embodiment taken along a line IIB-IIB'.
- the transmitting electrode 111, the first receiving electrode 112, and the second receiving electrode 113 of the capacitance sensor electrode 110 are formed on a main surface of a thin-plate-shaped base member 211.
- the base member 211 is formed of a high-resistance material or an insulative material such as resin, glass, and ceramics.
- the base member 211 has an elliptical shape.
- the transmitting electrode 111 is arranged in the vicinity of a long axis of the base member 211.
- the first receiving electrode 112 and the second receiving electrode 113 are arranged on both sides of the transmitting electrode 111.
- a gap 212 is formed between the first receiving electrode 112 and the transmitting electrode 111.
- a gap 213 is formed between the second receiving electrode 113 and the transmitting electrode 111.
- the length in a long side direction of the first receiving electrode 112 is smaller than that of the second receiving electrode 113.
- a surface area of the first receiving electrode 112 is smaller than a surface area of the second receiving electrode 113.
- Arrangement and shapes of the base member 211, the transmitting electrode 111, the first receiving electrode 112, the second receiving electrode 113, and the gaps 212 and 213 as illustrated in Fig. 2A are not essential and may be modified as needed.
- Fig. 2C is a drawing illustrating detection of the capacitance variations in the capacitance sensor electrode 110 according to the first embodiment.
- a voltage is applied to the transmitting electrode 111
- lines of electric force are transmitted from the transmitting electrode 111.
- Some of the lines of electric force transmitted from the transmitting electrode 111 are received by the first receiving electrode 112. Accordingly, capacitance is generated between the transmitting electrode 111 and the first receiving electrode 112.
- the capacitance is also generated between the transmitting electrode 111 and the second receiving electrode 113.
- Fig. 2C illustrates a distribution of the lines of electric force in the case where a detected object 214 having conductivity such as a human hand approaches the gap 212 between the transmitting electrode 111 and the first receiving electrode 112.
- the detected object 214 equivalently functions as the ground, and thus the lines of electric force transmitted from the transmitting electrode 111 are interrupted by the detected object 214. Accordingly, the capacitance between the transmitting electrode 111 and the first receiving electrode 112 is reduced. The reduction of the capacitance is measured via the first receiving electrode 112, so that approach and separation of the detected object 214 are detected.
- the capacitance sensor electrode 110 of the first embodiment has two detecting areas, and thus is applicable to measurement in two channels.
- the detecting area indicates a spatial range in which variations in capacitance can be detected when the detected object 214 enters.
- the capacitance sensor electrode 110 of the first embodiment includes two detecting areas on the basis of a capacitance value (first capacitance value) between the transmitting electrode 111 and the first receiving electrode 112 and a capacitance value (second capacitance value) between the transmitting electrode 111 and the second receiving electrode 113.
- the capacitance measuring unit 130 measures these capacitance values repeatedly and continuously or intermittently to cause the memory 125 to hold data indicating the first capacitance value and data indicating the second capacitance value repeatedly.
- the determining unit 123 of the capacitance sensor 100 determines whether or not the detected object has approached on the basis of an amount of variations ⁇ C1 of the first capacitance value, and determines whether or not the amount of variations ⁇ C1 of the first capacitance value is a variation caused by the user operation on the basis of an amount of variations ⁇ C2 of the second capacitance value.
- the first receiving electrode 112 functions as a detecting electrode for the user operation
- the second receiving electrode 113 functions as the electrode for detecting erroneous detection. Accordingly, the erroneous detection caused by the variations in capacitance not on the basis of the user intention. The determination of the user operation will be described.
- ⁇ C1 and ⁇ C2 which are “amount of variations in capacitance value” are each defined to mean an absolute value of a difference between a measured value of the capacitance at a certain point of time and a reference capacitance value when the detected object does not approach.
- the capacitance sensor 100 since the capacitance sensor 100 is of the mutual-capacitance type, if the detected object approaches the capacitance sensor electrode 110, the capacitance value decreases.
- the “amount of variations in capacitance value” is absolute values, the capacitance value is a positive value.
- the determining unit 123 determines absence or presence of the user operation in accordance with a table given below in the case where the first capacitance value or the second capacitance value varies.
- Condition A is a condition in which the detected object 214 such as a person or the like is not in proximity to the capacitance sensor electrode 110.
- the amount of variations ⁇ C1 of the first capacitance value indicates zero or a sufficiently small value.
- the determining unit 123 determines that the condition falls under Condition A and thus the user operation is not performed. In this case, the amount of variations ⁇ C2 of the second capacitance value is not used for determination.
- Condition B is a condition in which the detected object 214 such as a person or the like is in proximity to the capacitance sensor electrode 110 but no user operation is performed.
- the detected object 214 such as a person or the like
- the capacitance sensor electrode 110 no user operation
- a case where the person is standing near the capacitance sensor electrode 110 but that person has no intention to open or close the opening and closing member 150 is exemplified.
- Fig. 3 is a drawing illustrating a condition in which a person is standing near by the capacitance sensor electrode 110, which corresponds to Condition B.
- the capacitance sensor electrode 110 illustrated in Fig. 2A to Fig. 2C is installed vertically, and the person stands nearby with his or her back facing thereto.
- a first detecting area 301 is formed by the lines of electric force between the transmitting electrode 111 and the first receiving electrode 112 in the vicinity of the capacitance sensor electrode 110.
- a second detecting area 302 is formed by the lines of electric force between the transmitting electrode 111 and the second receiving electrode 113.
- the surface area of the first receiving electrode 112 is smaller than the surface area of the second receiving electrode 113, and thus the first detecting area 301 is smaller than the second detecting area 302.
- the amount of variations ⁇ C1 of the first capacitance value caused by the back of the person as the detected object 214 is smaller than the amount of variations ⁇ C2 of the second capacitance value. Therefore, when relationships ⁇ C1 ⁇ threshold value and ⁇ C1 ⁇ ⁇ C2 are satisfied, the determining unit 123 determines that the condition falls under Condition B, and the user operation is not performed.
- Condition C is a condition in which the user operates the capacitance sensor electrode 110 with an intention to open and close the opening and closing member 150.
- Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B are drawings illustrating a state in which the user operates the capacitance sensor electrode 110 with his or her hand.
- Fig. 4A is a drawing of the capacitance sensor electrode 110 viewing from the front
- Fig. 4B is a drawing of the capacitance sensor electrode 110 viewing from the side.
- normal operation of the capacitance sensor 100 of the first embodiment is an action of the user approaching fingertips to the position near by the first receiving electrode 112 (holding operation).
- fingers are in the proximity to the first detecting area 301, but the fingers or the palm does not approach the position near by the second detecting area 302.
- the amount of variations ⁇ C1 of the first capacitance value caused by the hand of the person as the detected object 214 is not smaller than the amount of variations ⁇ C2 of the second capacitance value. Therefore, when relationships ⁇ C1 ⁇ threshold value and ⁇ C1 ⁇ ⁇ C2 are satisfied, the determining unit 123 determines that the condition falls under Condition C, and the user operation is performed.
- Figs. 5A and 5B are graphs illustrating relationships between the amount of variations ⁇ C1 of the first capacitance value and the amount of variations ⁇ C2 of the second capacitance value with time when the detected object is approached and then separated.
- solid lines indicate the amount of variations ⁇ C1 of the first capacitance value
- broken lines indicate the amount of variations ⁇ C2 of the second capacitance value.
- Fig. 5A illustrates variations in capacitance value when the user operation is performed. From the drawing, the amount of variations ⁇ C1 of the first capacitance value is larger than the threshold value when the detected object approaches, and is larger than the amount of variations ⁇ C2 of the second capacitance value. In other words, relationships ⁇ C1 ⁇ threshold value and ⁇ C1 ⁇ ⁇ C2 are satisfied, and the determining unit 123 determines that the condition falls under Condition C and the user operation is performed.
- Fig. 5B illustrates variations in capacitance value when the substance having a large surface area which corresponds to the back of a person approaches the capacitance sensor electrode 110. From the drawing, when the detected object approaches, the amount of variations ⁇ C1 of the first capacitance value is larger than the threshold value, and is smaller than the amount of variations ⁇ C2 of the second capacitance value. In other words, relationships ⁇ C1 ⁇ threshold value and ⁇ C1 ⁇ ⁇ C2 are satisfied, and the determining unit 123 determines that the condition falls under Condition B and the user operation is not performed.
- the determining unit 123 is capable of determining the presence or absence of the user operation correctly, and the erroneous operation caused by the capacitance variations which are not generated by the normal operation is prevented.
- Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling the capacitance sensor 100 according to the first embodiment.
- the flowchart of Fig. 6 describes a control flow when the user performs the opening and closing operation with respect to the capacitance sensor electrode 110 when the opening and closing member 150 is stopped or is operated. This flowchart is illustrated so as to start from START and end at END. However, since the timing when the user performs the operation is irregular, the control flow is preferably performed continuously or intermittently in a repeated manner. However, under the condition in which the opening and closing operation of the opening and closing member 150 does not seem to be performed, such as during travel, this control flow may be stopped.
- the capacitance sensor 100 measures the capacitance value for detecting the holding operation by the user. Specifically, the capacitance measuring unit 130 performs measurement of the capacitance value between the transmitting electrode 111 and the first receiving electrode 112 (first capacitance value) and measurement of the capacitance value between the transmitting electrode 111 and the second receiving electrode 113 (second capacitance value) alternately in a repeated manner, and causes the memory 125 to hold a result of measurement.
- Step S602 the determining unit 123 determines whether or not the amount of variations ⁇ C1 of the first capacitance value is larger than the predetermined threshold value. In the case where the relationship ⁇ C1 ⁇ threshold value is satisfied, the determining unit 123 determines that the condition falls under Condition A, and the user operation is not performed (NO in step S602). The flow is then terminated. In the case where the relationship ⁇ C1 ⁇ threshold value is satisfied, the flow proceeds to Step S603 (YES in Step S602).
- Step S603 the determining unit 123 determines whether or not the amount of variations ⁇ C1 of the first capacitance value is larger than the amount of variations ⁇ C2 of the second capacitance value. If the relationship ⁇ C1 ⁇ ⁇ C2 is satisfied, the determining unit 123 determines that the condition falls under Condition B, the user operation is not performed (NO in Step S603). The flow is then terminated. If the relationship ⁇ C1 ⁇ ⁇ C2 is satisfied, the determining unit 123 determines that the condition falls under Condition C, and the user operation is performed (YES in Step S603). In this case, the flow proceeds to Step S604.
- Step S604 the determining unit 123 outputs a signal indicating that the user has performed operation for stopping the action of the opening and closing member 150 to the opening and closing member control device 140. Accordingly, the opening and closing member control device 140 controls the opening and closing member 150 to stop. When the stop control is performed, the flow is terminated.
- Step S602 and Step S603 may be vise versa or may be simultaneous.
- the flow may be modified so as to determine that the user has performed operation in the case where both of conditions determined in Step S602 and Step S603 are continued for a predetermined period.
- the first receiving electrode 112 functions as a detecting electrode for the user operation
- the second receiving electrode 113 functions as the electrode for detecting erroneous detection. Even though the first receiving electrode 112 detects the variations in the capacitance, if the second receiving electrode 113 detects larger variations in capacitance, it is determined to be the erroneous detection, and thus erroneous operation due to the capacitance variations, which is not caused by normal operation is prevented. Therefore, for example, a potential to detect operation erroneously which may occur when the person is in proximity to the capacitance sensor electrode 110 but does not perform operation is reduced.
- the capacitance variations which may be caused not by the normal operation as described above, the case where a person, an animal, or a vehicle passes near by the capacitance sensor electrode 110, and the case where the vehicle is parked near by the capacitance sensor electrode 110 are assumed. In such cases as well, the potential to detect operation erroneously is reduced in the same manner. A potential to detect operation erroneously which may occur when foreign substances such as water droplets, frost, snow, mud, and the like are adhered to the capacitance sensor electrode 110 may also be reduced.
- the first receiving electrode 112 in the drawing is arranged on an upper side of the transmitting electrode 111, and the second receiving electrode 113 is arranged on a lower side of the transmitting electrode 111.
- the arrangement of the electrodes is not limited thereto. Further preferably, however, when the capacitance sensor electrode 110 of the first embodiment is installed on the side surface of the vehicle such as the slide door or the rear door, the first receiving electrode 112 is arranged on an upper side of the transmitting electrode 111 and the second receiving electrode 113 is arranged on the lower side of the transmitting electrode 111 in the same manner as illustrated in Fig. 2A .
- an upside and a downside of the capacitance sensor electrode 110 in Fig. 2A preferably match the upside and the downside thereof when being installed on the side surface of the vehicle. The same applies to embodiments described below.
- the surface area of the first receiving electrode 112 is reduced to be smaller than the surface area of the second receiving electrode 113 as a method of reducing the size of the first detecting area 301 to be smaller than the second detecting area 302.
- the method is not limited thereto.
- the sizes of the detecting area may be adjusted by setting an amplification rate when converting the second capacitance value to a voltage value to be larger than an amplification rate when converting the first capacitance value into the voltage value.
- the magnitudes of values used for determination may be adjusted by multiplying digital signals corresponding to the first capacitance value and the second capacitance value by a first coefficient and a second coefficient, respectively.
- the size of the detecting area may be adjusted in the same manner as the case where the surface area of the first receiving electrode 112 is set to be smaller than the surface area of the second receiving electrode 113. It is also possible to multiply only the digital signal corresponding to the second capacitance value by a coefficient larger than "1", or to multiply only the digital signal corresponding to the first capacitance value by a coefficient smaller than "1".
- the surface area of the first receiving electrode 112 and the surface area of the second receiving electrode 113 may be set as desired.
- the surface area of the first receiving electrode 112 and the surface area of the second receiving electrode 113 may be the same, and the surface area of the first receiving electrode 112 may be larger than the surface area of the second receiving electrode 113.
- the capacitance sensor of the mutual-capacitance type has been exemplified.
- the capacitance sensor may be of a self-capacitance type.
- an example of the capacitance sensor of the self-capacitance type will be described as a second embodiment.
- Fig. 7A is a drawing illustrating a configuration of a capacitance sensor electrode 110 according to the second embodiment.
- Fig. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the capacitance sensor electrode according to a third embodiment taken along a line VIIB-VIIB'.
- the capacitance sensor electrode 110 has a first detecting electrode 712 and a second detecting electrode 713 formed on the base member 211.
- the first detecting electrode 712 and the second detecting electrode 713 are arranged in parallel on the same surface of the base member 211.
- the base member 211, the first detecting electrode 712, and the second detecting electrode 713 all have a laterally elongated rectangular shape.
- a long side direction of the base member 211, the first detecting electrode 712, and the second detecting electrode 713 is substantially the same, and the lengths in the long side direction are substantially the same as well.
- the width (the length in a short side direction) of the first detecting electrode 712 is smaller than the width of the second detecting electrode 713. In other words, a surface area of the first detecting electrode 712 is smaller than a surface area of the second detecting electrode 713.
- Fig. 7C illustrates a distribution of lines of electric force in the case where the detected object 214 approaches the position in the vicinity of the first detecting electrode 712.
- the detected object 214 equivalently functions as a ground. Therefore, some of the lines of electric force output from the first detecting electrode 712 are absorbed by the detected object 214. Accordingly, the capacitance generated by the first detecting electrode 712 is increased. The increase of the capacitance is measured via the first detecting electrode 712, so that approach of the detected object 214 is detected. The same applies to the case where the detected object 214 approaches the second detecting electrode 713.
- the first detecting electrode 712 and the second detecting electrode 713 of the second embodiment have functions corresponding to the first receiving electrode 112 and the second receiving electrode 113 of the first embodiment, respectively.
- the first detecting electrode 712 functions as a detecting electrode for the user operation
- the second detecting electrode 713 functions as the electrode for detecting erroneous detection.
- a method of detection is the same as the first embodiment, and hence description will be omitted.
- the capacitance sensor electrode 110 of the second embodiment is preferably provided on a rear bumper of the vehicle because the user operates to open and close a rear door with his or her foot.
- Fig. 8 is a drawing illustrating a mounting position of the capacitance sensor electrode 110 on the vehicle according to the second embodiment.
- a vehicle 800 includes a rear door 801 and a rear bumper 802.
- the capacitance sensor electrode 110 is provided at a center portion of the rear bumper 802.
- the user is capable of opening and closing the rear door 801 by bringing his or her foot closer to or into contact with the rear bumper 802. In this configuration, even when the user holds luggage in both hands, operation with the foot is enabled.
- the position where the capacitance sensor electrode 110 is installed is not limited to the center portion of the rear bumper 802, and may be installed at a desired position.
- Fig. 9A is a drawing illustrating a condition in which a person stands near by the capacitance sensor electrode 110. This condition corresponds to Condition B in Table 1.
- the first detecting area 301 is smaller than the second detecting area 302. Therefore, the amount of variations ⁇ C1 of the first capacitance value caused by the foot of the person as the detected object 214 is smaller than the amount of variations ⁇ C2 of the second capacitance value. Therefore, in this case, since relationships ⁇ C1 ⁇ threshold value and ⁇ C1 ⁇ ⁇ C2 are satisfied, the determining unit 123 determines that the condition falls under Condition B, and the user operation is not performed.
- the foot approaches the first detecting area 301, but the foot does not approach the position near the second detecting area 302.
- the amount of variations ⁇ C1 of the first capacitance value caused by the foot of the person as the detected object 214 is not smaller than the amount of variations ⁇ C2 of the second capacitance value. Therefore, since relationships ⁇ C1 ⁇ threshold value and ⁇ C1 ⁇ ⁇ C2 are satisfied, the determining unit 123 determines that the condition falls under Condition C, and the user operation is performed.
- a capacitance sensor which allows operation of the opening and closing member of the vehicle with a foot is provided, and the potential to detect operation erroneously is reduced in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
- the first detecting electrode 712 in the drawing is arranged on a lower side, and the second detecting electrode 713 is arranged on an upper side.
- the arrangement of the electrodes is not limited thereto. Further preferably, however, when the capacitance sensor electrode 110 of the second embodiment is installed on the rear bumper 802 of the vehicle 800, the first detecting electrode 712 is arranged on the lower side and the second detecting electrode 713 is arranged on the upper side in the same manner as illustrated in Fig. 7A . In the case where the user operates the capacitance sensor electrode 110 with his or her foot as illustrated in Fig.
- the capacitance sensor of the self-capacitance type is exemplified.
- the sensor of the mutual-capacitance type as that described in the first embodiment is also applicable.
- Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B are drawings illustrating the modifications of the capacitance sensor electrode 110 of the mutual-capacitance type.
- Fig. 10A illustrates a modification in which the transmitting electrode 111, the first receiving electrode 112, and the second receiving electrode 113 are formed on the ellipsoidal base member 211, and the first receiving electrode 112 and the second receiving electrode 113 are arranged on both sides of the transmitting electrode 111 in a horizontal direction.
- the electrodes are arranged in the horizontal direction, installation in an area having a small space in a vertical direction such as a belt molding of the vehicle may be made.
- the electrode, having an ellipsoidal shape may be installed inside an exterior surface of an emblem of the vehicle, for example, so that the capacitance sensor electrode 110 can be installed on the vehicle without impairing an appearance of the vehicle.
- Fig. 10B is a modification in which the shapes of the base member 211, the transmitting electrode 111, the first receiving electrode 112, and the second receiving electrode 113 in Fig. 10A have a rectangular shape or a square shape. According to the modification, a surface area efficiency is better than the above-described ellipsoidal shape, and installation may be made in an area having further smaller space.
- Fig. 11A to Fig. 11E are drawings illustrating the modifications of the capacitance sensor electrode 110 of the self-capacitance type.
- Fig. 11A is a modification on which the first detecting electrode 712 and the second detecting electrode 713 are arranged on the laterally elongated ellipsoidal base member 211. This modification is intended for a case where the user operates with his or her hand.
- the first detecting electrode 712 is arranged on the upper side
- the second detecting electrode 713 is arranged on the lower side.
- the accuracy of discrimination between the normal operation and the erroneous operation is improved when the first detecting electrode 712, which is the detecting electrode operated by the user, is arranged on the upper side.
- Fig. 11B illustrates a modification in which a wide clearance is provided between the first detecting electrode 712 and the second detecting electrode 713.
- the width of the clearance is preferably larger than the width of the first detecting electrode 712, for example. Accordingly, the detecting area for detecting the user operation is further limited, and hence the accuracy of discrimination between the normal operation and the erroneous operation is improved.
- Fig. 11C is a modification in which the first detecting electrode 712 and the second detecting electrode 713 illustrated in Fig. 11A are arranged in the horizontal direction. In the same manner as in Fig. 10A , installation in an area having a small space in the vertical direction is effectively facilitated.
- Fig. 11D is a modification in which a clearance between the first detecting electrode 712 and the second detecting electrode 713 in Fig. 11C is widened.
- the width of the clearance is preferably larger than the width of the first detecting electrode 712, for example.
- Fig. 11E is a modification in which the first detecting electrode 712 having a rectangular or square shape is provided on the rectangular base member 211, and the second detecting electrodes 713 having a rectangular or square shape are provided on both sides thereof in the horizontal direction.
- the second detecting electrodes 713 functioning as electrodes for detecting erroneous detection are provided on the both sides of the first detecting electrode 712 in the horizontal direction. Accordingly, the detecting area for detecting the user operation is limited, and hence the accuracy of discrimination between the normal operation and the erroneous operation is improved.
- An operation detecting apparatus for a vehicle includes: a detecting unit (100, 110) including a first electrode (112) and a second electrode (113) for detecting variations in capacitance value; a capacitance measuring unit (130) configured to measure a first capacitance value detected by the first electrode and a second capacitance value detected by the second electrode; a determining unit (123) configured to compare a value on the basis of an amount of variations in the first capacitance value with a value on the basis of an amount of variations in the second capacitance value and determine presence or absence of operation from a user on the basis of the result of comparison; and an output unit (127) configured to output a control signal on the basis of a result of determination of the determining unit.
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Abstract
Description
- This disclosure relates to an operation detecting apparatus for a vehicle in which a capacitance sensor is used.
- A capacitance sensor configured to detect positions or actions of detected objects by a change in capacitance is known. The capacitance sensor includes one or more electrodes for detection. When the detected object approaches the electrode for detection, a capacitance value generated between an electrode and an electrode, or between an electrode and the ground varies. The capacitance sensor is an apparatus configured to detect actions of the detected objects by measuring the change in capacitance value as an electric signal.
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JP 2006-213206 A - The vehicle window sensor disclosed in
JP 2006-213206 A - Thus, a need exists for an operation detecting apparatus for a vehicle in which the potential to detect operation erroneously is reduced.
- An aspect of this disclosure provides an operation detecting apparatus for a vehicle including a detecting unit having a first electrode and a second electrode configured to detect variations in a capacitance value; a capacitance measuring unit configured to measure a first capacitance value detected by the first electrode and a second capacitance value detected by the second electrode; a determining unit configured to compare a value on the basis of the amount of variations in the first capacitance value with a value on the basis of an amount of variations in the second capacitance value and determine presence or absence of operation from a user on the basis of the result of comparison; and an output unit configured to output a control signal on the basis of a result of determination of the determining unit.
- In the operation detecting apparatus for a vehicle, the determining unit may determine that operation is performed by the user in a case where an absolute value of the amount of variations in the first capacitance value is not smaller than a predetermined threshold value, and the absolute value of the amount of variations in the first capacitance value is not smaller than an absolute value of the amount of variations in the second capacitance value.
- In the operation detecting apparatus for a vehicle, a detecting area of the second electrode may be larger than a detecting area of the first electrode.
- In the operation detecting apparatus for a vehicle, the second electrode may have a larger surface area than the first electrode.
- In the operation detecting apparatus for a vehicle, the capacitance measuring unit may include a converting unit configured to convert the first capacitance value and the second capacitance value to voltage values at a time of measuring, and an amplification rate when converting the second capacitance value into the voltage value may be larger than an amplification rate when converting the first capacitance value into the voltage value.
- The operation detecting apparatus for a vehicle may further include an operating unit configured to multiply at least one of a value on the basis of the amount of variations in the first capacitance value and a value on the basis of the amount of variations in the second capacitance value by a coefficient, and multiplication of the coefficient may make the detecting area of the second electrode larger than the detecting area of the first electrode.
- In the operation detecting apparatus for a vehicle, the determining unit may determine that operation is not performed by the user in the case where the absolute value of the amount of variations in the first capacitance value is smaller than a predetermined threshold value.
- The operation detecting apparatus for a vehicle may further include a third electrode in addition to the first electrode and the second electrode, and the first capacitance value may be a capacitance value between the first electrode and the third electrode, and the second capacitance value may be a capacitance value between the second electrode and the third electrode.
- According to the aspect of this disclosure, an operation detecting apparatus for a vehicle in which the potential to detect operation erroneously is reduced is proposed.
- The foregoing and additional features and characteristics of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description considered with the reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
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Fig. 1A is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a capacitance sensor of an opening and closing member for a vehicle according to a first embodiment; -
Fig. 1B is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a capacitance measuring unit of the opening and closing member for a vehicle according to the first embodiment; -
Fig. 2A is a drawing illustrating a configuration of a capacitance sensor electrode according to the first embodiment; -
Fig. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the capacitance sensor electrode according to the first embodiment taken along a line IIB-IIB'; -
Fig. 2C is a drawing illustrating detection of capacitance variations in the capacitance sensor electrode according to the first embodiment; -
Fig. 3 is a drawing illustrating a condition in which a person stands near by the capacitance sensor electrode; -
Fig. 4A is a drawing illustrating a condition in which a user operates the capacitance sensor electrode by hand; -
Fig. 4B is a drawing illustrating a condition in which the user operates the capacitance sensor electrode by hand; -
Figs. 5A and 5B are graphs illustrating amount of variations in capacitance value when a detected object is brought closer and then away from the capacitance sensor electrode; -
Fig. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method of controlling the capacitance sensor according to the first embodiment; -
Fig. 7A is a drawing illustrating a configuration of a capacitance sensor electrode according to a second embodiment; -
Fig. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the capacitance sensor electrode taken along a line VIIB-VIIB' in the second embodiment; -
Fig. 7C is a drawing illustrating detection of the capacitance variations in the capacitance sensor electrode according to the second embodiment; -
Fig. 8 is a drawing illustrating a mounting position of the capacitance sensor electrode on a vehicle according to the second embodiment; -
Fig. 9A is a drawing illustrating a condition in which a person stands near by the capacitance sensor electrode; -
Fig. 9B is a drawing illustrating a condition in which a user operates the capacitance sensor electrode by foot; -
Figs. 10A and 10B are drawings illustrating a modification of a mutual-capacitance type capacitance sensor electrode; and -
Figs. 11A to 11E are drawings illustrating a modification of a self-capacitance type capacitance sensor electrode. - Exemplary embodiments for implementing this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. However, unless otherwise specifically noted, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to modes described in detail in the embodiments set forth below. In the drawings which will be described below, the same components having the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions may be omitted.
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Fig. 1A is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an operation detecting unit used for an opening and closing member for a vehicle (slide door, rear door, and the like) according to a first embodiment disclosed here. Acapacitance sensor 100, which corresponds to the operation detecting unit used for the opening and closing member for a vehicle includes acapacitance sensor electrode 110 and a capacitancesensor control unit 120. Thecapacitance sensor electrode 110 is a detecting unit of thecapacitance sensor 100 configured to detect operation of the opening and closing member for a vehicle by a user. The capacitancesensor control unit 120 is a portion configured to control operation of thecapacitance sensor electrode 110 and output the result of detection obtained by thecapacitance sensor electrode 110 to an opening and closingmember control device 140. - The
capacitance sensor 100 of the embodiment is of a mutual-capacitance type. Thecapacitance sensor electrode 110 includes a transmittingelectrode 111, afirst receiving electrode 112, and asecond receiving electrode 113. The transmittingelectrode 111 is an electrode configured to generate lines of electric force by applying voltage, and thefirst receiving electrode 112 and thesecond receiving electrode 113 are electrodes that receive the lines of electric force. Accordingly, capacitance is generated between the transmittingelectrode 111 and thefirst receiving electrode 112 and between the transmittingelectrode 111 and thesecond receiving electrode 113. Thecapacitance sensor 100 of the embodiment is configured to detect approach and separation of a detected object such as a hand of the user by measuring variations in capacitance. - The
capacitance sensor electrode 110 may be installed at any position of the vehicle as long as the user can operate and the lines of electric force are not interrupted by the conductive member. For example, thecapacitance sensor electrode 110 may be installed on a door handle, a center pillar (a column on the side surface of the vehicle and provided at a position between a front seat and a rear seat), a center pillar garnish, a belt molding, a rear side of an emblem, a rear door garnish, and a bumper. Thecapacitance sensor electrode 110 may be installed on a movable member of an opening and closingmember 150 for the vehicle or may be installed in other portions. Furthermore, in a case where a portion of the member which constitutes the opening and closing member is not formed of a metal, thecapacitance sensor electrode 110 may be installed on an inner side of a portion which is not formed of the metal. - The capacitance
sensor control unit 120 includes abus 121, ameasurement control unit 122, a determiningunit 123, anoperating unit 124, amemory 125, atimer 126, a control signal I/O unit 127, and acapacitance measuring unit 130. Thebus 121 is wiring configured to connect respective portions of the capacitancesensor control unit 120. Thecapacitance measuring unit 130 is a portion that measures a capacitance between the respective electrodes of thecapacitance sensor electrode 110. - The control signal I/
O unit 127 is a portion corresponding to an interface that sends and receives a signal between the capacitancesensor measuring unit 120 and the opening and closingmember control device 140. The control signal I/O unit 127 functions as an output unit configured to output a signal relating to a user operation such as presence or absence of the operation by the user by using thecapacitance sensor electrode 110 to the opening and closingmember control device 140. The control signal I/O unit 127 functions also as an input unit configured to receive signals which indicate the state of the opening and closing member 150 (opened state and closed state) from the opening and closingmember control device 140. - The opening and closing
member control device 140 is, for example, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) mounted on a vehicle, and controls an opening and closing operation of the opening and closingmember 150 on the basis of the signal indicating the operation by the user input from the control signal I/O unit 127 of the capacitancesensor control unit 120. The opening and closingmember 150 is an opening and closing member for a vehicle configured to perform an opening and closing operation automatically by a drive source such as a motor. More specifically, the opening and closingmember 150 may include a slide door, a sun roof, a rear door, a power window, a swing door and the like. The opening and closingmember 150 is provided with a sensor configured to detect a state of operation of the drive source. For example, the opening and closingmember 150 may be provided with a pulse sensor using a Hall element as a sensor configured to detect a rotation of the motor. An output from the sensor is output from the opening and closingmember 150 to the opening and closingmember control device 140, and is input into the determiningunit 123 via the control signal I/O unit 127 of the capacitancesensor control unit 120. The output of the sensor may be held once in thememory 125 without being directly input into the determiningunit 123, and then read out by the determiningunit 123. - The
measurement control unit 122 is a portion configured to control a state of measurement of thecapacitance measuring unit 130. For example, the state of connection of theswitch 131 is switched by the output signal from themeasurement control unit 122. Accordingly, either one of measurement by thefirst receiving electrode 112 and measurement by thesecond receiving electrode 113 may be selected. - The
memory 125 includes a ROM and a RAM, and is a memory medium configured to temporarily or permanently memorise data such as an output value from thecapacitance measuring unit 130, time or duration of output from thetimer 126, or the state of the opening and closingmember 150 output from the opening and closingmember control device 140. Thememory 125 supplies data memorised in accordance with instruction from the determiningunit 123 and theoperating unit 124. Thetimer 126 is a portion configured to provide time information to the respective members. - The determining
unit 123 is a portion configured to determine whether or not normal operation is performed by the user on the basis of the output value from thecapacitance measuring unit 130 memorised in thememory 125. The normal operation is a specific operating procedure which is performed when the user indicates a wish to open or close the opening and closingmember 150. - The
operating unit 124 is a portion configured to perform reduction of noise, offset elimination, and various computations for data processing such as multiplication of coefficient on an output signal indicating the capacitance value output from thecapacitance measuring unit 130. -
Fig. 1B is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a capacitance measuring unit of an opening and closing member for a vehicle according to the first embodiment. Thecapacitance measuring unit 130 includes aswitch 131, avoltage supply portion 132, a CV (Capacitance-to-Voltage) convertingunit 133, and an AD (Analogue-to-Digital) convertingunit 134. - The
voltage supply portion 132 is a portion configured to supply a voltage for outputting the lines of electric force to the transmittingelectrode 111 in accordance with the control signal from themeasurement control unit 122 input via thebus 121. Thevoltage supply portion 132 may include a voltage conversion circuit, an amplifier circuit, and the like for adjusting the voltage to be supplied to the transmittingelectrode 111. - The
switch 131 is a portion configured to change over connections of the electrodes, for example, for selecting an electrode that measures the capacitance. Theswitch 131 includes a portion that switches ON and OFF between the transmittingelectrode 111 and thevoltage supply portion 132. Theswitch 131 further includes a portion that switches the connection of theCV converting unit 133 either to thefirst receiving electrode 112 or to thesecond receiving electrode 113. - The
CV converting unit 133 is a CV conversion circuit configured to convert the capacitance between the transmittingelectrode 111 and thefirst receiving electrode 112 or the capacitance between the transmittingelectrode 111 and thesecond receiving electrode 113 into a voltage value and output the voltage value. TheCV converting unit 133 may include an amplifier configured to vary an output voltage at the time of CV conversion. - The
AD converting unit 134 is an AD conversion circuit configured to convert the voltage value output from theCV converting unit 133 to a digital signal and output the digital signal. The digital signal indicating a capacitance value output from theAD converting unit 134 is held in thememory 125 via thebus 121. - In the first embodiment, the
capacitance measuring unit 130 includes a circuit configured to perform measurement of the capacitance by the CV conversion circuit. However, measurement of the capacitance may be performed by other methods. For example, a capacitance measuring method with various circuits such as a circuit configured to repeatedly transfer an electric charge to a reference capacitative element and count the number of times of transfer, or a CR resonance circuit. - One of more functional portions disclosed here and illustrated in
Fig. 1A andFig. 1B may be provided by hardware, or may be provided by programs which are operated on hardware of a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit). These programs may be stored in thememory 125. -
Fig. 2A is a drawing illustrating a configuration of thecapacitance sensor electrode 110 according to the first embodiment.Fig. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the capacitance sensor electrode according to the first embodiment taken along a line IIB-IIB'. The transmittingelectrode 111, thefirst receiving electrode 112, and thesecond receiving electrode 113 of thecapacitance sensor electrode 110 are formed on a main surface of a thin-plate-shapedbase member 211. Thebase member 211 is formed of a high-resistance material or an insulative material such as resin, glass, and ceramics. Thebase member 211 has an elliptical shape. The transmittingelectrode 111 is arranged in the vicinity of a long axis of thebase member 211. Thefirst receiving electrode 112 and thesecond receiving electrode 113 are arranged on both sides of the transmittingelectrode 111. Agap 212 is formed between thefirst receiving electrode 112 and the transmittingelectrode 111. Agap 213 is formed between thesecond receiving electrode 113 and the transmittingelectrode 111. The length in a long side direction of thefirst receiving electrode 112 is smaller than that of thesecond receiving electrode 113. In other words, a surface area of thefirst receiving electrode 112 is smaller than a surface area of thesecond receiving electrode 113. Arrangement and shapes of thebase member 211, the transmittingelectrode 111, thefirst receiving electrode 112, thesecond receiving electrode 113, and thegaps Fig. 2A are not essential and may be modified as needed. -
Fig. 2C is a drawing illustrating detection of the capacitance variations in thecapacitance sensor electrode 110 according to the first embodiment. When a voltage is applied to the transmittingelectrode 111, lines of electric force are transmitted from the transmittingelectrode 111. Some of the lines of electric force transmitted from the transmittingelectrode 111 are received by thefirst receiving electrode 112. Accordingly, capacitance is generated between the transmittingelectrode 111 and thefirst receiving electrode 112. In the same manner, the capacitance is also generated between the transmittingelectrode 111 and thesecond receiving electrode 113. -
Fig. 2C illustrates a distribution of the lines of electric force in the case where a detectedobject 214 having conductivity such as a human hand approaches thegap 212 between the transmittingelectrode 111 and thefirst receiving electrode 112. The detectedobject 214 equivalently functions as the ground, and thus the lines of electric force transmitted from the transmittingelectrode 111 are interrupted by the detectedobject 214. Accordingly, the capacitance between the transmittingelectrode 111 and thefirst receiving electrode 112 is reduced. The reduction of the capacitance is measured via thefirst receiving electrode 112, so that approach and separation of the detectedobject 214 are detected. The same applies to the case where the detectedobject 214 approaches thesecond receiving electrode 113. In other words, thecapacitance sensor electrode 110 of the first embodiment has two detecting areas, and thus is applicable to measurement in two channels. In this specification, the detecting area indicates a spatial range in which variations in capacitance can be detected when the detectedobject 214 enters. - In this manner, the
capacitance sensor electrode 110 of the first embodiment includes two detecting areas on the basis of a capacitance value (first capacitance value) between the transmittingelectrode 111 and thefirst receiving electrode 112 and a capacitance value (second capacitance value) between the transmittingelectrode 111 and thesecond receiving electrode 113. On the basis of the control from themeasurement control unit 122, thecapacitance measuring unit 130 measures these capacitance values repeatedly and continuously or intermittently to cause thememory 125 to hold data indicating the first capacitance value and data indicating the second capacitance value repeatedly. - The determining
unit 123 of thecapacitance sensor 100 according to the first embodiment determines whether or not the detected object has approached on the basis of an amount of variations ΔC1 of the first capacitance value, and determines whether or not the amount of variations ΔC1 of the first capacitance value is a variation caused by the user operation on the basis of an amount of variations ΔC2 of the second capacitance value. In other words, thefirst receiving electrode 112 functions as a detecting electrode for the user operation, and thesecond receiving electrode 113 functions as the electrode for detecting erroneous detection. Accordingly, the erroneous detection caused by the variations in capacitance not on the basis of the user intention. The determination of the user operation will be described. - Hereinafter, ΔC1 and ΔC2, which are "amount of variations in capacitance value" are each defined to mean an absolute value of a difference between a measured value of the capacitance at a certain point of time and a reference capacitance value when the detected object does not approach. In the first embodiment, since the
capacitance sensor 100 is of the mutual-capacitance type, if the detected object approaches thecapacitance sensor electrode 110, the capacitance value decreases. However, since the "amount of variations in capacitance value" is absolute values, the capacitance value is a positive value. - In the case where the first capacitance value or the second capacitance value varies, the determining
unit 123 determines absence or presence of the user operation in accordance with a table given below in the case where the first capacitance value or the second capacitance value varies.TABLE 1 Condition A Condition B Condition C ΔC1 ΔC1 < threshold value ΔC1 ≥ threshold value ΔC1 ≥ threshold value ΔC2 any value ΔC1 < ΔC2 ΔC1 ≥ ΔC2 Determination of User Operation No user operation No user operation User operation is performed State of Sensor No detected object Detected object is present but not user operation User is operating - Condition A is a condition in which the detected
object 214 such as a person or the like is not in proximity to thecapacitance sensor electrode 110. In this condition, the amount of variations ΔC1 of the first capacitance value indicates zero or a sufficiently small value. When a predetermined threshold set in view of noise or the like has a relationship ΔC1 < threshold value, the determiningunit 123 determines that the condition falls under Condition A and thus the user operation is not performed. In this case, the amount of variations ΔC2 of the second capacitance value is not used for determination. - Condition B is a condition in which the detected
object 214 such as a person or the like is in proximity to thecapacitance sensor electrode 110 but no user operation is performed. As a specific example, a case where the person is standing near thecapacitance sensor electrode 110 but that person has no intention to open or close the opening and closingmember 150 is exemplified. -
Fig. 3 is a drawing illustrating a condition in which a person is standing near by thecapacitance sensor electrode 110, which corresponds to Condition B. Thecapacitance sensor electrode 110 illustrated inFig. 2A to Fig. 2C is installed vertically, and the person stands nearby with his or her back facing thereto. At this time, a first detectingarea 301 is formed by the lines of electric force between the transmittingelectrode 111 and thefirst receiving electrode 112 in the vicinity of thecapacitance sensor electrode 110. In the same manner, a second detectingarea 302 is formed by the lines of electric force between the transmittingelectrode 111 and thesecond receiving electrode 113. As described above, the surface area of thefirst receiving electrode 112 is smaller than the surface area of thesecond receiving electrode 113, and thus the first detectingarea 301 is smaller than the second detectingarea 302. In other words, in Condition B, the amount of variations ΔC1 of the first capacitance value caused by the back of the person as the detectedobject 214 is smaller than the amount of variations ΔC2 of the second capacitance value. Therefore, when relationships ΔC1 ≥ threshold value and ΔC1 < ΔC2 are satisfied, the determiningunit 123 determines that the condition falls under Condition B, and the user operation is not performed. - Condition C is a condition in which the user operates the
capacitance sensor electrode 110 with an intention to open and close the opening and closingmember 150.Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B are drawings illustrating a state in which the user operates thecapacitance sensor electrode 110 with his or her hand.Fig. 4A is a drawing of thecapacitance sensor electrode 110 viewing from the front, andFig. 4B is a drawing of thecapacitance sensor electrode 110 viewing from the side. - As illustrated in
Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B , normal operation of thecapacitance sensor 100 of the first embodiment is an action of the user approaching fingertips to the position near by the first receiving electrode 112 (holding operation). In this case, as illustrated inFig. 4B , fingers are in the proximity to the first detectingarea 301, but the fingers or the palm does not approach the position near by the second detectingarea 302. In other words, in Condition C, the amount of variations ΔC1 of the first capacitance value caused by the hand of the person as the detectedobject 214 is not smaller than the amount of variations ΔC2 of the second capacitance value. Therefore, when relationships ΔC1 ≥ threshold value and ΔC1 ≥ ΔC2 are satisfied, the determiningunit 123 determines that the condition falls under Condition C, and the user operation is performed. -
Figs. 5A and 5B are graphs illustrating relationships between the amount of variations ΔC1 of the first capacitance value and the amount of variations ΔC2 of the second capacitance value with time when the detected object is approached and then separated. In the respective graphs, solid lines indicate the amount of variations ΔC1 of the first capacitance value, and broken lines indicate the amount of variations ΔC2 of the second capacitance value. At clock times T1 and T3, the detected object starts to approach the detecting area of thecapacitance sensor electrode 110, and at clock times T2 and T4, the detected object leaves the detecting area of thecapacitance sensor electrode 110. -
Fig. 5A illustrates variations in capacitance value when the user operation is performed. From the drawing, the amount of variations ΔC1 of the first capacitance value is larger than the threshold value when the detected object approaches, and is larger than the amount of variations ΔC2 of the second capacitance value. In other words, relationships ΔC1 ≥ threshold value and ΔC1 ≥ ΔC2 are satisfied, and the determiningunit 123 determines that the condition falls under Condition C and the user operation is performed. -
Fig. 5B illustrates variations in capacitance value when the substance having a large surface area which corresponds to the back of a person approaches thecapacitance sensor electrode 110. From the drawing, when the detected object approaches, the amount of variations ΔC1 of the first capacitance value is larger than the threshold value, and is smaller than the amount of variations ΔC2 of the second capacitance value. In other words, relationships ΔC1 ≥ threshold value and ΔC1 < ΔC2 are satisfied, and the determiningunit 123 determines that the condition falls under Condition B and the user operation is not performed. - In this manner, by the determination on the basis of a plurality of the amounts of variations in capacitance value, the determining
unit 123 is capable of determining the presence or absence of the user operation correctly, and the erroneous operation caused by the capacitance variations which are not generated by the normal operation is prevented. -
Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling thecapacitance sensor 100 according to the first embodiment. The flowchart ofFig. 6 describes a control flow when the user performs the opening and closing operation with respect to thecapacitance sensor electrode 110 when the opening and closingmember 150 is stopped or is operated. This flowchart is illustrated so as to start from START and end at END. However, since the timing when the user performs the operation is irregular, the control flow is preferably performed continuously or intermittently in a repeated manner. However, under the condition in which the opening and closing operation of the opening and closingmember 150 does not seem to be performed, such as during travel, this control flow may be stopped. - In Step S601, the
capacitance sensor 100 measures the capacitance value for detecting the holding operation by the user. Specifically, thecapacitance measuring unit 130 performs measurement of the capacitance value between the transmittingelectrode 111 and the first receiving electrode 112 (first capacitance value) and measurement of the capacitance value between the transmittingelectrode 111 and the second receiving electrode 113 (second capacitance value) alternately in a repeated manner, and causes thememory 125 to hold a result of measurement. - In Step S602, the determining
unit 123 determines whether or not the amount of variations ΔC1 of the first capacitance value is larger than the predetermined threshold value. In the case where the relationship ΔC1 < threshold value is satisfied, the determiningunit 123 determines that the condition falls under Condition A, and the user operation is not performed (NO in step S602). The flow is then terminated. In the case where the relationship ΔC1 ≥ threshold value is satisfied, the flow proceeds to Step S603 (YES in Step S602). - In Step S603, the determining
unit 123 determines whether or not the amount of variations ΔC1 of the first capacitance value is larger than the amount of variations ΔC2 of the second capacitance value. If the relationship ΔC1 < ΔC2 is satisfied, the determiningunit 123 determines that the condition falls under Condition B, the user operation is not performed (NO in Step S603). The flow is then terminated. If the relationship ΔC1 ≥ ΔC2 is satisfied, the determiningunit 123 determines that the condition falls under Condition C, and the user operation is performed (YES in Step S603). In this case, the flow proceeds to Step S604. - In Step S604, the determining
unit 123 outputs a signal indicating that the user has performed operation for stopping the action of the opening and closingmember 150 to the opening and closingmember control device 140. Accordingly, the opening and closingmember control device 140 controls the opening and closingmember 150 to stop. When the stop control is performed, the flow is terminated. - The order of Step S602 and Step S603 may be vise versa or may be simultaneous. The flow may be modified so as to determine that the user has performed operation in the case where both of conditions determined in Step S602 and Step S603 are continued for a predetermined period.
- In the first embodiment, the
first receiving electrode 112 functions as a detecting electrode for the user operation, and thesecond receiving electrode 113 functions as the electrode for detecting erroneous detection. Even though thefirst receiving electrode 112 detects the variations in the capacitance, if thesecond receiving electrode 113 detects larger variations in capacitance, it is determined to be the erroneous detection, and thus erroneous operation due to the capacitance variations, which is not caused by normal operation is prevented. Therefore, for example, a potential to detect operation erroneously which may occur when the person is in proximity to thecapacitance sensor electrode 110 but does not perform operation is reduced. - As examples of the capacitance variations which may be caused not by the normal operation as described above, the case where a person, an animal, or a vehicle passes near by the
capacitance sensor electrode 110, and the case where the vehicle is parked near by thecapacitance sensor electrode 110 are assumed. In such cases as well, the potential to detect operation erroneously is reduced in the same manner. A potential to detect operation erroneously which may occur when foreign substances such as water droplets, frost, snow, mud, and the like are adhered to thecapacitance sensor electrode 110 may also be reduced. - In the illustration in
Fig. 2A , thefirst receiving electrode 112 in the drawing is arranged on an upper side of the transmittingelectrode 111, and thesecond receiving electrode 113 is arranged on a lower side of the transmittingelectrode 111. The arrangement of the electrodes is not limited thereto. Further preferably, however, when thecapacitance sensor electrode 110 of the first embodiment is installed on the side surface of the vehicle such as the slide door or the rear door, thefirst receiving electrode 112 is arranged on an upper side of the transmittingelectrode 111 and thesecond receiving electrode 113 is arranged on the lower side of the transmittingelectrode 111 in the same manner as illustrated inFig. 2A . In other words, an upside and a downside of thecapacitance sensor electrode 110 inFig. 2A preferably match the upside and the downside thereof when being installed on the side surface of the vehicle. The same applies to embodiments described below. - In the case where the user operates the
capacitance sensor electrode 110 with fingers as illustrated inFigs. 4A and 4B , the palm of the user spontaneously comes to a position apart from thesecond receiving electrode 113 when the user operates thefirst receiving electrode 112 located on an upper side with his/her fingers. Accordingly, in the case where the normal operation is performed, variations in capacitance value satisfy the relationship ΔC1 ≥ ΔC2 spontaneously. Therefore, accuracy of discrimination between the normal operation and the erroneous operation is improved. - In the first embodiment, the surface area of the
first receiving electrode 112 is reduced to be smaller than the surface area of thesecond receiving electrode 113 as a method of reducing the size of the first detectingarea 301 to be smaller than the second detectingarea 302. However, the method is not limited thereto. For example, at the time of a CV conversion performed by theCV converting unit 133, the sizes of the detecting area may be adjusted by setting an amplification rate when converting the second capacitance value to a voltage value to be larger than an amplification rate when converting the first capacitance value into the voltage value. In theoperating unit 124, the magnitudes of values used for determination may be adjusted by multiplying digital signals corresponding to the first capacitance value and the second capacitance value by a first coefficient and a second coefficient, respectively. In this case, by setting the second coefficient to be larger than the first coefficient, the size of the detecting area may be adjusted in the same manner as the case where the surface area of thefirst receiving electrode 112 is set to be smaller than the surface area of thesecond receiving electrode 113. It is also possible to multiply only the digital signal corresponding to the second capacitance value by a coefficient larger than "1", or to multiply only the digital signal corresponding to the first capacitance value by a coefficient smaller than "1". In the case of adjusting the size of the detecting area by these methods, the surface area of thefirst receiving electrode 112 and the surface area of thesecond receiving electrode 113 may be set as desired. For example, the surface area of thefirst receiving electrode 112 and the surface area of thesecond receiving electrode 113 may be the same, and the surface area of thefirst receiving electrode 112 may be larger than the surface area of thesecond receiving electrode 113. - In the first embodiment, the capacitance sensor of the mutual-capacitance type has been exemplified. However, the capacitance sensor may be of a self-capacitance type. Hereinafter, an example of the capacitance sensor of the self-capacitance type will be described as a second embodiment.
-
Fig. 7A is a drawing illustrating a configuration of acapacitance sensor electrode 110 according to the second embodiment.Fig. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the capacitance sensor electrode according to a third embodiment taken along a line VIIB-VIIB'. Thecapacitance sensor electrode 110 has a first detectingelectrode 712 and a second detectingelectrode 713 formed on thebase member 211. The first detectingelectrode 712 and the second detectingelectrode 713 are arranged in parallel on the same surface of thebase member 211. Thebase member 211, the first detectingelectrode 712, and the second detectingelectrode 713 all have a laterally elongated rectangular shape. A long side direction of thebase member 211, the first detectingelectrode 712, and the second detectingelectrode 713 is substantially the same, and the lengths in the long side direction are substantially the same as well. The width (the length in a short side direction) of the first detectingelectrode 712 is smaller than the width of the second detectingelectrode 713. In other words, a surface area of the first detectingelectrode 712 is smaller than a surface area of the second detectingelectrode 713. -
Fig. 7C illustrates a distribution of lines of electric force in the case where the detectedobject 214 approaches the position in the vicinity of the first detectingelectrode 712. The detectedobject 214 equivalently functions as a ground. Therefore, some of the lines of electric force output from the first detectingelectrode 712 are absorbed by the detectedobject 214. Accordingly, the capacitance generated by the first detectingelectrode 712 is increased. The increase of the capacitance is measured via the first detectingelectrode 712, so that approach of the detectedobject 214 is detected. The same applies to the case where the detectedobject 214 approaches the second detectingelectrode 713. - The first detecting
electrode 712 and the second detectingelectrode 713 of the second embodiment have functions corresponding to thefirst receiving electrode 112 and thesecond receiving electrode 113 of the first embodiment, respectively. In other words, the first detectingelectrode 712 functions as a detecting electrode for the user operation, and the second detectingelectrode 713 functions as the electrode for detecting erroneous detection. A method of detection is the same as the first embodiment, and hence description will be omitted. - The
capacitance sensor electrode 110 of the second embodiment is preferably provided on a rear bumper of the vehicle because the user operates to open and close a rear door with his or her foot.Fig. 8 is a drawing illustrating a mounting position of thecapacitance sensor electrode 110 on the vehicle according to the second embodiment. Avehicle 800 includes arear door 801 and arear bumper 802. Thecapacitance sensor electrode 110 is provided at a center portion of therear bumper 802. The user is capable of opening and closing therear door 801 by bringing his or her foot closer to or into contact with therear bumper 802. In this configuration, even when the user holds luggage in both hands, operation with the foot is enabled. The position where thecapacitance sensor electrode 110 is installed is not limited to the center portion of therear bumper 802, and may be installed at a desired position. - In the
capacitance sensor 100 of the second embodiment disclosed here, an action of the user approaching his or her foot to the position near by the first detecting electrode 712 (holding operation) is normal operation.Fig. 9A is a drawing illustrating a condition in which a person stands near by thecapacitance sensor electrode 110. This condition corresponds to Condition B in Table 1. In the same manner as the case inFig. 3 of the first embodiment, the first detectingarea 301 is smaller than the second detectingarea 302. Therefore, the amount of variations ΔC1 of the first capacitance value caused by the foot of the person as the detectedobject 214 is smaller than the amount of variations ΔC2 of the second capacitance value. Therefore, in this case, since relationships ΔC1 ≥ threshold value and ΔC1 < ΔC2 are satisfied, the determiningunit 123 determines that the condition falls under Condition B, and the user operation is not performed. - In the case where the normal operation illustrated in
Fig. 9B is performed, the foot approaches the first detectingarea 301, but the foot does not approach the position near the second detectingarea 302. In other words, in Condition C, the amount of variations ΔC1 of the first capacitance value caused by the foot of the person as the detectedobject 214 is not smaller than the amount of variations ΔC2 of the second capacitance value. Therefore, since relationships ΔC1 ≥ threshold value and ΔC1 ≥ ΔC2 are satisfied, the determiningunit 123 determines that the condition falls under Condition C, and the user operation is performed. - As described above, according to the second embodiment, a capacitance sensor which allows operation of the opening and closing member of the vehicle with a foot is provided, and the potential to detect operation erroneously is reduced in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
- In the illustration in
Fig. 7A , the first detectingelectrode 712 in the drawing is arranged on a lower side, and the second detectingelectrode 713 is arranged on an upper side. The arrangement of the electrodes is not limited thereto. Further preferably, however, when thecapacitance sensor electrode 110 of the second embodiment is installed on therear bumper 802 of thevehicle 800, the first detectingelectrode 712 is arranged on the lower side and the second detectingelectrode 713 is arranged on the upper side in the same manner as illustrated inFig. 7A . In the case where the user operates thecapacitance sensor electrode 110 with his or her foot as illustrated inFig. 9B , when the user operates the first detectingelectrode 712 on the lower side with a portion near the toe, the portion of the user near the knee is located at a position away from the second detectingelectrode 713 spontaneously. Therefore, the accuracy of discrimination between the normal operation and the erroneous operation is improved. In the second embodiment, the capacitance sensor of the self-capacitance type is exemplified. However, the sensor of the mutual-capacitance type as that described in the first embodiment is also applicable. - As other embodiments, a modification of the arrangement of the electrodes to which the
capacitance sensor electrode 110 disclosed here is applied will be listed. A cross-sectional structure is the same as those in the first or second embodiment, and thus illustration and description will be omitted. In the following description, a principal different point from the first or second embodiment is arrangement of the electrodes. Therefore, descriptions of functions and the method of controlling the respective electrodes will be omitted as well. -
Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B are drawings illustrating the modifications of thecapacitance sensor electrode 110 of the mutual-capacitance type.Fig. 10A illustrates a modification in which the transmittingelectrode 111, thefirst receiving electrode 112, and thesecond receiving electrode 113 are formed on theellipsoidal base member 211, and thefirst receiving electrode 112 and thesecond receiving electrode 113 are arranged on both sides of the transmittingelectrode 111 in a horizontal direction. In this modification, since the electrodes are arranged in the horizontal direction, installation in an area having a small space in a vertical direction such as a belt molding of the vehicle may be made. The electrode, having an ellipsoidal shape, may be installed inside an exterior surface of an emblem of the vehicle, for example, so that thecapacitance sensor electrode 110 can be installed on the vehicle without impairing an appearance of the vehicle. -
Fig. 10B is a modification in which the shapes of thebase member 211, the transmittingelectrode 111, thefirst receiving electrode 112, and thesecond receiving electrode 113 inFig. 10A have a rectangular shape or a square shape. According to the modification, a surface area efficiency is better than the above-described ellipsoidal shape, and installation may be made in an area having further smaller space. -
Fig. 11A to Fig. 11E are drawings illustrating the modifications of thecapacitance sensor electrode 110 of the self-capacitance type.Fig. 11A is a modification on which the first detectingelectrode 712 and the second detectingelectrode 713 are arranged on the laterally elongatedellipsoidal base member 211. This modification is intended for a case where the user operates with his or her hand. In contrast to the case illustrated inFig. 7A , more preferably, the first detectingelectrode 712 is arranged on the upper side, and the second detectingelectrode 713 is arranged on the lower side. As described in the first embodiment, in the case where the user operates thecapacitance sensor electrode 110 with his or her hand, the accuracy of discrimination between the normal operation and the erroneous operation is improved when the first detectingelectrode 712, which is the detecting electrode operated by the user, is arranged on the upper side. -
Fig. 11B illustrates a modification in which a wide clearance is provided between the first detectingelectrode 712 and the second detectingelectrode 713. The width of the clearance is preferably larger than the width of the first detectingelectrode 712, for example. Accordingly, the detecting area for detecting the user operation is further limited, and hence the accuracy of discrimination between the normal operation and the erroneous operation is improved. -
Fig. 11C is a modification in which the first detectingelectrode 712 and the second detectingelectrode 713 illustrated inFig. 11A are arranged in the horizontal direction. In the same manner as inFig. 10A , installation in an area having a small space in the vertical direction is effectively facilitated. -
Fig. 11D is a modification in which a clearance between the first detectingelectrode 712 and the second detectingelectrode 713 inFig. 11C is widened. The width of the clearance is preferably larger than the width of the first detectingelectrode 712, for example. In the same manner as inFig. 11B , the accuracy of discrimination between the normal operation and the erroneous operation is effectively improved. -
Fig. 11E is a modification in which the first detectingelectrode 712 having a rectangular or square shape is provided on therectangular base member 211, and the second detectingelectrodes 713 having a rectangular or square shape are provided on both sides thereof in the horizontal direction. In this modification, the second detectingelectrodes 713 functioning as electrodes for detecting erroneous detection are provided on the both sides of the first detectingelectrode 712 in the horizontal direction. Accordingly, the detecting area for detecting the user operation is limited, and hence the accuracy of discrimination between the normal operation and the erroneous operation is improved. - The principles, preferred embodiment and mode of operation of the present invention have been described in the foregoing specification. However, the invention which is intended to be protected is not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes and equivalents which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the claims, be embraced thereby.
- An operation detecting apparatus for a vehicle includes: a detecting unit (100, 110) including a first electrode (112) and a second electrode (113) for detecting variations in capacitance value; a capacitance measuring unit (130) configured to measure a first capacitance value detected by the first electrode and a second capacitance value detected by the second electrode; a determining unit (123) configured to compare a value on the basis of an amount of variations in the first capacitance value with a value on the basis of an amount of variations in the second capacitance value and determine presence or absence of operation from a user on the basis of the result of comparison; and an output unit (127) configured to output a control signal on the basis of a result of determination of the determining unit.
Claims (8)
- An operation detecting apparatus for a vehicle comprising:a detecting unit (100, 110) including a first electrode (112) and a second electrode (113) for detecting variations in capacitance value;a capacitance measuring unit (130) configured to measure a first capacitance value detected by the first electrode and a second capacitance value detected by the second electrode;a determining unit (123) configured to compare a value on the basis of an amount of variations in the first capacitance value with a value on the basis of an amount of variations in the second capacitance value and determine presence or absence of operation from a user on the basis of the result of comparison; andan output unit (127) configured to output a control signal on the basis of a result of determination of the determining unit.
- The operation detecting apparatus for a vehicle according to Claim 1, wherein the determining unit determines that operation is performed by the user in a case where an absolute value of the amount of variations in the first capacitance value is not smaller than a predetermined threshold value, and the absolute value of the amount of variations in the first capacitance value is not smaller than an absolute value of the amount of variations in the second capacitance value.
- The operation detecting apparatus for a vehicle according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein
a detecting area of the second electrode is larger than a detecting area of the first electrode. - The operation detecting apparatus for a vehicle according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein
the second electrode has a larger surface area than the first electrode. - The operation detecting apparatus for a vehicle according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein
the capacitance measuring unit includes a converting unit (133) configured to convert the first capacitance value and the second capacitance value to voltage values at a time of measuring, and
an amplification rate when converting the second capacitance value into the voltage value is larger than an amplification rate when converting the first capacitance value into the voltage value. - The operation detecting apparatus for a vehicle according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, further comprising:an operating unit (124) configured to multiply at least one of a value on the basis of the amount of variations in the first capacitance value and a value on the basis of the amount of variations in the second capacitance value by a coefficient, whereinmultiplication of the coefficient makes the detecting area of the second electrode larger than the detecting area of the first electrode.
- The operation detecting apparatus for a vehicle according to Claim 1, wherein
the determining unit determines that operation is not performed by the user in the case where the absolute value of the amount of variations in the first capacitance value is smaller than a predetermined threshold value. - The operation detecting apparatus for a vehicle according to Claim 1, further comprising:a third electrode (111) in addition to the first electrode and the second electrode, whereinthe first capacitance value is a capacitance value between the first electrode and the third electrode, and the second capacitance value is a capacitance value between the second electrode and the third electrode.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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JP2014234149A JP2016100099A (en) | 2014-11-19 | 2014-11-19 | Operation detector for vehicle |
Publications (1)
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EP3024144A1 true EP3024144A1 (en) | 2016-05-25 |
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ID=54695501
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EP15195155.5A Withdrawn EP3024144A1 (en) | 2014-11-19 | 2015-11-18 | Operation detecting apparatus for vehicle |
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US (1) | US9753172B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3024144A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2016100099A (en) |
CN (1) | CN105610421A (en) |
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FR3047808B1 (en) * | 2016-02-12 | 2019-06-28 | Continental Automotive France | METHOD FOR DETECTING THE APPROACH AND / OR CONTACT OF A HAND FROM A USER TO A VEHICLE DOOR HANDLE AND DETECTION DEVICE THEREFOR |
JP6555666B2 (en) * | 2017-02-08 | 2019-08-07 | パナソニックIpマネジメント株式会社 | Capacitance sensor and grip sensor |
JP6560276B2 (en) * | 2017-02-21 | 2019-08-14 | アイシン精機株式会社 | Vehicle operation detection device |
WO2018183732A1 (en) * | 2017-03-29 | 2018-10-04 | Alps Electric Co. Ltd. | Water rejection on capacitive door handle |
US10317448B2 (en) * | 2017-05-22 | 2019-06-11 | Swift Engineering, Inc. | Human sensing using electric fields, and associated systems and methods |
CN108331484B (en) * | 2018-01-05 | 2019-12-27 | 上海纳恩汽车技术有限公司 | Sensor system is played to car tail-gate foot |
JP6889286B2 (en) * | 2018-01-17 | 2021-06-18 | アルプスアルパイン株式会社 | Door handle |
JP7293953B2 (en) * | 2019-07-31 | 2023-06-20 | 株式会社アイシン | Vehicle operation detection device |
JP2022002169A (en) * | 2020-06-19 | 2022-01-06 | 株式会社東海理化電機製作所 | Electrostatic sensor, control device, and computer program |
CN112520522A (en) * | 2020-10-28 | 2021-03-19 | 康拓科技太仓有限公司 | Elevator controller and elevator control method |
WO2022244594A1 (en) * | 2021-05-18 | 2022-11-24 | 株式会社村田製作所 | Proximity sensor and controller |
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CN105610421A (en) | 2016-05-25 |
US9753172B2 (en) | 2017-09-05 |
US20160139285A1 (en) | 2016-05-19 |
JP2016100099A (en) | 2016-05-30 |
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